Que será será – whatever will be, will be. I think that encapsulates what’s going to happen at the SFS on Saturday night, don’t you?
It could be that sort of strange circumstance. Here we were four weeks ago and the Waratahs hammered the Force in Perth by 31 to 3. The Force line-out was a shambles and they were seriously beaten at the breakdown. Drew Mitchell and Luke Burgess were both outstanding. The headline read: Force Deflowered by Dominant Waratahs.
Now, a month later and it’s been sort of turned on its head. The Waratahs have been playing scratchy, untidy rugby after a few losses and mistake-riddled wins, and it’s the Force that are looking like grinners. Solid performances against the Brumbies, Bulls and a rampant Crusaders team have given them confidence. They’re showing heart and soul at the very least.
The line-out woes have been rectified from that earlier match and this week it might actually be the Tahs who are under the pump, especially on their own throw. The Force scrum has been improving as well and at the breakdown they’ve now three Test loosies on deck (and one on the bench) against zip.
Now, I’m not saying that the Force are favourites going into this match, because they aren’t — but they’ve been closing fast and I’ll certainly be expecting a closer encounter than last time.
The Waratahs have made one forced change for this game after last week’s win over the Rebels. TPN bumped his head again and third-choice hooker John Ulugia takes over. He seems to have all sorts of issues with his line-out throwing but hopefully he can settle into a good routine.
The backup No. 2 is Sydney University’s Ben Roberts, plucked from club rugby for his Super debut. He’s highly respected on the Sydney club scene and described by G&GR sage, Mr Lee Grant, as “one of those hard headed meat and potatoes players that Oz rugby is all too short of.”
Coach Hickey says “Ben Roberts is more than capable of playing at Super Rugby level. You only need to look at Nathan Charles’ performance for the Western Force when he debuted out of club Rugby 13 months ago to realise the depth in the Shute Shield is very strong.”
The Waratahs’ game plan could encompass some enterprising rugby if the coach’s comments are anything to go by. Hickey said “The forecast is looking pretty good which suits us and we’re planning on getting out there, playing a strong attacking game and if we execute to the plan we know we can come away with the points.”
The Force have made several changes to the run-on side, recalling loose forward Matt Hodgson and centre Mitch Inman. Hodgo made a successful return from injury last weekend from the bench and will start at No. 6, with Richard Brown named at No. 8 and David Pocock on the other flank.
There has been one forced change in the backs with Cameron Shepherd ruled out with a niggling knee complaint. Paddy Dellit switches from outside centre to fullback, where he made his debut earlier in the season.
Ben McCalman has been rotated into the reserves where he will be joined by lock Tom Hockings and Tim ‘The Fox’ Fairbrother. “With injuries to David Pocock and Matt Hodgson this season Ben has played every minute of every game and we now have an opportunity to bring some fresh legs into the forward pack,” Coach Woody said.
“They’re a very good team with a very big forward pack and they pride themselves on their scrum and set piece,” he said. “With Berrick back they’ve looked a lot sharper and they’ve had a couple good wins so it’s going to be a tough game.”
Pocock joins skipper Nathan Sharpe, Cameron Shepherd, Tai McIsaac and fellow back row buddies Richard Brown and Matt Hodgson as players to have earned 50 caps for the Force.
Waratahs: 1. Benn Robinson, 2. John Ulugia, 3. Sekope Kepu, 4. Dean Mumm, 5. Sitaleki Timani, 6. Dave Dennis, 7. Pat McCutcheon, 8. Ben Mowen, 9. Luke Burgess, 10. Berrick Barnes, 11. Sosene Anesi, 12. Tom Carter, 13. Ryan Cross, 14. Lachie Turner, 15. Kurtley Beale. Reserves: 16. Ben Roberts, 17. Al Baxter, 18. Kane Douglas, 19. Chris Alcock, 20. Brendan McKibbin, 21. Daniel Halangahu, 22. Tom Kingston.
Western Force: 1. Pek Cowan, 2. Nathan Charles, 3. Matt Dunning, 4. Sam Wykes, 5. Nathan Sharpe, 6. Matt Hodgson, 7. David Pocock, 8. Richard Brown, 9. Brett Sheehan, 10. Willie Ripia, 11. David Smith, 12. James O’Connor, 13. Mitch Inman, 14. Nick Cummins, 15. Paddy Dellit. Reserves: 16. Ben Whittaker, 17. Tim Fairbrother, 18. Tom Hockings, 19. Ben McCalman, 20. James Stannard, 21. Rory Sidey, 22. Alfie Mafi.
Saturday, 7 May 2011, Sydney Football Stadium; kick-off 7.40pm (AEST)
Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
Assistant Referees: James Leckie (Australia), Andrew Lees (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)
